North Carolina Psychology Programs
North Carolina is 鑫鼎彩票注册 to seventeen campuses in the University of North Carolina system alone—the Tarheels are best known for their fierce NCAA basketball rivalry with in-state competitor Duke. Just as they produce NBA prospects on the court, North Carolina’s many colleges produce world-class psychologists in the classroom. The state has a long history as a leading force in the field. More than half a century ago in 1967, lawmakers of the state passed the (NCPA), which regulated the industry and protected patients from unqualified practitioners.
This page will teach you how to leverage North Carolina’s vast network of colleges to find a psychology program that’s right for you. It will also explain how the licensing process works while laying out the salary you can expect to earn for different careers in the field. It also examines costs you’ll encounter along the way while introducing you to scholarships, grants, and other ways to mitigate those costs.

How to Become a Psychologist in North Carolina
The NCPA requires psychologists in North Carolina to be highly educated and well trained. To claim the title of “psychologist,” you have to earn a doctorate. Even therapists and counselors must complete a master’s program. Follow these steps to become a psychologist in North Carolina.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: There are many different subfields and specialties in the field of psychology, but all paths begin with an undergraduate degree. You don’t necessarily need to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology specifically, but a concentration in the field could improve your graduate school application.
- Earn a master’s degree: A master’s in psychology is the final academic hurdle if your goal is to become a counselor or therapist. You can certainly choose to pursue an M.A. or M.S. if you plan to earn a doctorate, but a master’s isn’t necessary for all doctoral programs.
- Earn a doctorate: You must earn a doctorate to hold the title of “psychologist.” It is the highest academic degree you can achieve.
- Complete a practicum: Most licenses, which will be discussed in greater detail further down the page, require the completion of an internship, clinical program, or other supervised experience, often beyond that which is included in your graduate program.
- Choose a specialty: North Carolina recognizes several specialties within the field of psychology. They’ll be explained in greater detail later on.
North Carolina Psychology Licensing & Exams
The type of license you pursue depends on your background, your level of education, and your career goals. All licenses require you to hand over your academic transcripts and submit to a background check. Here are the requirements by license type.
Provisionally Licensed Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist
Here’s a look at the exams you’re most likely to encounter on the road to becoming a practicing psychologist.
Job Growth & Psychologist Salary in North Carolina
Career | North Carolina Median Salary (2018) | Average Salary Per Hour | % Expected Job Growth |
Licensed Psychologist | N/A | N/A | |
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists | $30.03 | 15% | |
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $46.76 | N/A | |
Mental Health Counselor | $22.54 | 25% | |
Licensed Clinical Social Worker | $30,42 | N/A | |
Marriage and Family Therapist | $23.39 | 20% | |
Substance Abuse Counselor | $22.54 | 20% |
Recognized Psychology Specializations in North Carolina
These are the specialty sub-fields of psychology officially recognized in the state of North Carolina.
North Carolina Psychology Spotlight Programs
Psychology programs in North Carolina are offered at highly regarded colleges and universities throughout the state, offering a huge variety of program paths across all degree levels.
North Carolina Psychology Scholarships
Public and private scholarships can help you pay for your education and reduce your reliance on student loans. To learn more about scholarships, incentives, and other awards, visit the scholarships page.
North Carolina Internships and Fellowships
Internships, fellowships, and other hands-on supervised experiences are required for all licenses. Here are a few of the most popular and competitive among them.
North Carolina Psychology Resources
From the time you pick your major as an undergraduate through the entirety of your career, these national and state-based organizations can offer assistance, information, networking opportunities, and news from the industry.

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